July 2010

First, I want to thank everyone who has sent their best wishes and get well cards during my past three months of health issues. Hopefully, the old ticker will stop acting up now that I am the “bionic man.”

I am not the only active RTHS member who has faced unexpected health problems in recent months. Our Sunshine Chairperson, Caroline Bergman, has been sending cards of encouragement to members almost every week. We hope that everyone of you who has been “laid up,” in and out of the hospital, find yourself caring for loved ones who have taken ill or died, or suffered other losses have survived the hardships and are stronger for it. Thanks, Caroline for your cheery notes to us all, and we hope you are feeling better now, too!

In spite of these adversities, the Society continues to thrive and sponsor interesting history programs that are well-attended and enjoyed by local members and guests. For our distant members, we encourage you to look at our website regularly, check us out on Facebook, and buy our program booklets, which when read and/or viewed on your computer will make you feel you are here with us. Our latest publication is the booklet/CD combo on the Edwin Sinks exhibit (an order form is enclosed). Many of you will want to come to the “Second Anniversary Gathering at the Center” on July 24th. This event, which runs from 2-5 p.m., commemorates the grand-opening of the RTHS History Center, which took place two years ago. A group of Brethren men, who go by the name “Community of Song” will do a couple of short programs during the afternoon and there will be plenty of time to view the Sinks Photography Exhibit. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. we will gather in the lower level to share in a potluck dinner. Make your reservations now, and sign up to bring a covered dish (form is enclosed). Members will be sprucing up the Center with fresh paint and mulching the flowerbeds, just for you! Steve Lodge is donating his time and equipment in keeping our lawns mowed weekly. His services have come in the nick of time, since the job was getting to be too much for Bill Gothard and me. Now we can turn our energies to fabricating Lexan storm windows for the windows on the buildings’ lower level.

We have two more events coming up in 2010. On October 16, Cyndie Gerken will talk about the National Road across Ohio and sign copies of her new book. Our Holiday Bazaar is scheduled for December 11. Start saving your gently used items NOW.